CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. (7News) — The Anacostia II Wastewater Pumping Station in Prince George’s County is the largest of 51 wastewater pumping stations.

About 43% of the wastewater in our system flows through Anacostia II and these days the wastewater includes more and more sanitary wipes. It’s becoming an environmental issue in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

WSSC Water has removed about 700 tons of wipes in 2020 from Anacostia II.

That is an increase of about 100 tons over 2019.

Over the past decade, the water utility has spent about $2 million to address the problem of wipes in the pipes. It has installed expensive, massive grinder pumps at 31 wastewater pumping stations with one more in the works.